How should beekeepers respond to the presence of Northern Asian Hornets?

Beekeepers should adjust their beekeeping practices in response to the presence of Northern Asian Hornets. These hornets are known to be aggressive predators of honeybees, significantly impacting bee populations and overall hive health. By modifying their practices, beekeepers can take defensive measures to protect their colonies, such as implementing strategies to reduce hornet predation.

Adjustments might include reinforcing hive entrances to make it more difficult for hornets to invade, using traps specifically designed to capture hornets, or even relocating hives to areas with fewer predators. By being proactive and adapting to the threats posed by these hornets, beekeepers can better safeguard their bees and ensure the sustainability and productivity of their apiaries.

The other options do not adequately address the potential threats posed by Northern Asian Hornets. For instance, increasing hive production without any protective measures does not account for the risk hornets pose. Ignoring their presence could lead to severe losses in bee populations, and simply moving hives may not be a feasible solution if hornet populations are widespread in the area. Thus, adjusting practices is the most strategic and effective response.